Thursday, July 24, 2014

Of Olives and Things

Before we leave off discussing Italy and France, I thought I'd mention this series of books. What? We weren't discussing the south of France? No mention of an olive farm? Well we are now!☺

Brenda and Kitty both have reminded me that many good books are inexpensive or even free for Kindle reading. As you can see, I've got my wishlist all lined up. I've nearly finished reading The Enchanted April and I'm well begun on The Olive Farm. This series of books is written by Carol Drinkwater whom you may better remember as the first Helen Herriot of the tv show All Creatures Great and Small (based on those amazing books by James Herriot...my all-time favorites).

Ahhh, yes, she is my favorite in the role because, well, just look at those lovely connections between the characters/actors. One got the sense that they were crazy about each other, which is something seriously lacking between the second Helen and James. But that is neither here nor there because we're talking about the south of France and growing olive trees.

There you go, in this short video, Carol describes it all so much better than I ever could.

Thank you for adding your comments for good movie viewing and great books. I appreciate them. Perhaps I'll put together a list for August based on your suggestions.

P.S. Just a little disclaimer about Under the Tuscan Sun. It'll not be every gal's cup of tea. Yesterday, Brenda and I were even chuckling over how racy we thought Enchanted April was when we first saw it. It seems very tame these days.

I'll have to go back and read the rest of the comments yesterday. A couple of Carol Drinkwater's books have found their way here via the library. As you know, I love reading about France. I'm reading an enjoyable one now called A Castle in the Back Yard: The Dream of a House in France. It's also enjoyable to read of cultural differences. I'm glad you found the Enchanted April in book form.

There are a few things in Under the Tuscan Sun, that are not my cup of tea, but there is beauty in the scenery, in the old house, and the life that she is building. I may make different choices than she on some things, but we can learn some things from this story - reaching out to others, enjoying simple but delicious meals together, making a family.

I'll have to watch that video later - I am going to be painting the shutters today!

Under the Tuscan Sun is one of my favorite movies and I read the book first. I don't think about the scenes that are a bit risque...I like Lorrie's comment! I'll check on the Olive books! I love a new series to read! Hugs, Diane

Reading around here happens in the cold wintertime...I'll keep this series in mind.Would u kindly take a look at my blog page? I have been moving thing around and while it looks fine on my larger screen, wondering what it looks like on smaller ones or larger ones and know of no other way to ck it other than asking you. Thank you...:)

I will certainly jot the book titles down in my little notebook. I have such a stack of books now that I haven't read. Oh, so many books and so little time! I'll check out the video later when I have more time. See you later!

This author is new to me, Vee. I have to admit my reading time has diminished since I've been more involved with my grandchildren. I really should begin taking my granddaughter to the library now that she is more mobile and understanding of what books are all about. That way I could pick up some of my own. I own a Kindle but just can't get into using it--I think the screen bothers my eyes. Off to read the peior post!

I have to admit I don't use my kindle app to it's full advantage by finding free books to download. Wading through the freebies seems such a chore *sigh*. However, a freebie that is suggested by a friend, well that is worth looking into! Thanks for the titles:>)

Hmm, something to be said for having a Kindle. (I do have the app on my iPad) My ereader is a Kobo from our Canadian bookstore chain and I don't recall any free books from them! I'll see about downloading the freebie on my iPad.A list of recommended books next month would be great, I have a notebook where I jot some down to purchase for my ereader. And, I rarely pay for them because we collect points on Visa which can be redeemed for gift cards that are for the on-line book store.

You are so good at sharing resources. Now I'm going to look up this author. And I was coming to my computer to look up what is good in olives, as since Turkey I'm eating them at breakfast and came to your post on Of Olives and Things!

We own the series and I like the first Helen best too. We are watching the series now and have just started the season with the new Helen. There was a gap of 8 years between the last season and this one.I've heard of her books but have never read any.

Thanks for the tip on a good read, will check it out. Do you use Book Bub for kindle books? It is free, you fill out a profile and the genre of books you prefer and then receive a daily email with a list of books that are free or very inexpensive from your chosen genres. I just read The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate and loved it. I can send you an invite if you are interested in Book Bub. Happy reading.

Wow, 400 hundred year old olive trees! How cool to be making olive oil from them. Had never heard of this series, until now. They sound great. I'll have to look into getting them on the Kindle. The only problem is once I get them there I never seem to go back and read them.

I'll have to look into these books for my Kindle; I'm so glad you shared this with us. The James Herriot books are my all-time favorites, too! I wrote a post (last year I think) about the BBC series (I'm pretty sure you left a comment). I feel the same way you do about Carol Drinkwater as the first Helen Herriot -- she was definitely the best!! I was so disappointed when she left the show.

I am SO glad you mentioned these books! I have been meaning to get them. I loved Carol Drinkwater in All Creatures. Hated the new Helen. Okay, maybe hate is too strong a word. No, hate is the right word. Because she was NOT Helen. And because I loved the Carol Helen. She was perfect. Sigh. Makes me want to drag out my All Creatures DVDs and watch them if the skies stay cloudy today. (somehow I can't do that on a sunny day). I'm going to track down the books. Thanks, Vee. :-)

Oh, I will have to read The Olive Farm--I loved Carol Drinkwater in All Creatures! The Herriot books are my very favorites! They have gotten me through some very difficult times when I needed to disappear into another place! How I long to visit Yorkshire--maybe--someday! V